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The Best Movies About Dysfunctional Families
- 1Steve Martin, Mary Steenburgen, Dianne Wiest
In this heartwarming yet raw portrayal of family life, an extended clan grapples with various personal struggles and challenges, ultimately realizing the importance of love and support in overcoming obstacles. The film masterfully delves into themes such as raising children, balancing careers, coping with mental illness, and dealing with aging parents. Through both laughter and tears, viewers are immersed in a true-to-life depiction of the trials, tribulations, and triumphs experienced by families everywhere.
More Parenthood
- #143 of 399 onThe Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
- #77 of 232 onThe Best '80s Comedy Movies, Ranked
- #154 of 675 onThe Best Movies Roger Ebert Gave Four Stars
- 2Faye Dunaway, Diana Scarwid, Howard Da Silva
Based on the controversial autobiography of Christina Crawford, this film chronicles the tumultuous childhood of the adopted daughter of Hollywood legend Joan Crawford. The narrative exposes the seemingly glamorous facade of fame and fortune, as it depicts the dark, abusive side of Crawford's parenting. This shocking and compelling story lays bare the truths behind stardom's glittering veneer and underscores the lasting effects of trauma on a child.
More Mommie Dearest- #293 of 399 onThe Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
- #31 of 75 onThe Best Movies Of 1981
- #336 of 473 onThe 400+ Best Chick Flicks Ever
- 3Dakota Fanning, Teri Hatcher, Jennifer Saunders
This dark and visually stunning stop-motion animation follows a young girl named Coraline as she discovers an alternate reality inhabited by seemingly perfect versions of her family members. Her initial enchantment with this fantastical world soon reveals its sinister secrets, as she is forced to confront the twisted nature of her "other" family. Through her ordeal, Coraline gains a renewed appreciation for the flawed, but loving, family she left behind in the real world.
More Coraline- Dig Deeper...17 Small But Chilling Details In 'Coraline'
- And Deeper...‘Coraline’ Is Even More Horrifying As A Book Than A Movie
- #50 of 452 onThe 400+ Best Animated Kids Movies
- 4Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts, Ewan McGregor
Adapted from the Pulitzer Prize-winning play, this darkly comedic drama centers around a tumultuous family reunion precipitated by a patriarch's disappearance. As the volatile Weston family gathers to confront their buried secrets and unresolved issues, powerful performances from a stellar ensemble cast make for a gripping emotional experience. The film unpacks the complexities of family relationships, illustrating the potential for both healing and further damage they can inflict.
More August: Osage County- #44 of 120 onThe Best Movies Based On Plays
- #54 of 72 onThe 70+ Best Mother-Daughter Movies Ever Made
- #25 of 32 on30+ Great Movies About Depression in Women
- 5Shirley MacLaine, Debra Winger, Jack Nicholson
This tear-jerker follows the three-decade-long story of a mother-daughter relationship riddled with ups and downs, illustrating the complexities of familial ties and the pains of letting go. The oscillating emotions of love, anger, and tenderness between the two central characters demonstrate the volatility and depth of their bond. As the drama unfolds, audiences are left with a profound reflection on life's fleeting nature and the importance of cherishing loved ones.
More Terms of Endearment- Dig Deeper...Movies That Won Best Picture at the Oscars and Golden Globes
- #245 of 399 onThe Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
- #58 of 96 onThe Very Best Oscar-Winning Movies For Best Picture
- 6Donald Sutherland, Timothy Hutton, Mary Tyler Moore
In this powerful exploration of loss and grief, a middle-class family struggles to cope with the tragic death of their eldest son, leading to tension between the surviving son and his guilt-ridden parents. The fractured relationships are poignantly portrayed, revealing the emotional toll of the tragedy on each family member. This intense narrative serves as a reminder of the importance of open communication and understanding in times of crisis.
More Ordinary People- Dig Deeper...Movies That Won Best Picture at the Oscars and Golden Globes
- #337 of 399 onThe Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
- #67 of 96 onThe Very Best Oscar-Winning Movies For Best Picture
- 7James Woods, Kathleen Turner, Kirsten Dunst
Based on Jeffrey Eugenides' novel, this visually enchanting and haunting film examines the aftermath of a tragedy in which five sisters take their own lives, leaving their repressive Catholic family to grapple with guilt and despair. Told through the perspective of neighborhood boys who become entranced by the girls' ethereal beauty, the narrative paints a memorable portrait of adolescent longing and mystery. The film poignantly explores themes of lost innocence, isolation, and coming-of-age while delving into the enigmatic nature of human existence.
More The Virgin Suicides- #49 of 133 onThe Most Utterly Depressing Movies Ever Made
- #39 of 63 onThe Greatest Directorial Debuts Of All Time
- #365 of 473 onThe 400+ Best Chick Flicks Ever
- 8Peter Dinklage, Alan Tudyk, Matthew Macfadyen
When a deeply dysfunctional family gathers to mourn the death of their patriarch, dark secrets come to the surface, and chaos ensues in this riotous British black comedy. The rapidly escalating series of misunderstandings, accidental drug ingestion, and outrageous revelations keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. This wickedly funny farce ultimately leads to an unexpected resolution, proving that love and connection can indeed prevail despite even the most outrageous circumstances.
More Death at a Funeral- #333 of 704 onThe All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
- #26 of 102 onThe Best British Comedy Movies
- #455 of 633 onThe 600+ Funniest Movies Of All Time
- 9
Flowers in the Attic
Louise Fletcher, Victoria Tennant, Kristy SwansonBased on the bestselling novel by V.C. Andrews and steeped in controversy, this chilling Gothic thriller tells the story of four siblings trapped in their sinister grandmother's attic after their father's untimely death. As they endure years of isolation and abuse under the tyrannical matriarch, the children forge a bond that serves as their only lifeline in a bleak world. This disturbing and haunting tale delves into the darkness lurking beneath the peaceful veneer of a seemingly respectable family.
More Flowers in the Attic- #56 of 89 onThe Best Movies Of 1987, Ranked
- #2 of 42 onThe Scariest Horror Movies With Twins
- #23 of 57 onThe Best Horror Movies About Parenting
- 10Gene Hackman, Anjelica Huston, Ben Stiller
A quirky and whimsical tale of a once-illustrious family of child prodigies, this film delves into the lives of the eccentric Tenenbaum children who are now struggling adults attempting to move past their troubled upbringing. Reuniting under one roof with their distant father and emotionally detached mother, the siblings navigate past conflicts and resentments while trying to confront their personal demons. This offbeat yet poignant story showcases the power of love, forgiveness, and finding one's own identity.
More The Royal Tenenbaums- #651 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #27 of 113 onThe Best Movies Of 2001
- #577 of 704 onThe All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
- 11Dermot Mulroney, Sarah Jessica Parker, Diane Keaton
This heartwarming holiday dramedy gathers an eclectic family with clashing personalities and beliefs for a chaotic Christmas celebration. When a straight-laced and uptight outsider joins the fray, tensions mount, leading to comedic mishaps and emotional breakthroughs. Despite the family's shortcomings, the film showcases the ultimate power of love, acceptance, and forgiveness in bridging even the widest of divides.
More The Family Stone- #91 of 143 onThe Best Movies of 2005
- #29 of 70 onThe Funniest Christmas Comedy Movies
- #273 of 473 onThe 400+ Best Chick Flicks Ever
- 12Sidney Poitier, Shelley Winters, Elizabeth Hartman
In this groundbreaking and tender drama, a young blind woman endures her cruel mother's mistreatment and emotional manipulation, yet finds solace and self-worth in her relationship with an African-American man. The blossoming, unlikely romance between the two leads opens the young woman's eyes to the limitations imposed on her by her dysfunctional upbringing. The powerful acting evokes sympathy and admiration for the characters as they navigate prejudice and ignorance in their search for love and belonging.
- 13Anne Hathaway, Rosemarie DeWitt, Bill Irwin
Featuring an outstanding performance from Anne Hathaway, this indie drama explores strained familial relationships as a recovering drug addict returns home for her sister's wedding. Throughout the festivities, the protagonist confronts her guilt-ridden past, including her role in a tragic accident that haunts the family's collective memory. The film serves as a poignant reminder of the difficulty and necessity of seeking redemption and forgiveness within a fractured family unit.
- #410 of 675 onThe Best Movies Roger Ebert Gave Four Stars
- #31 of 31 onThe Most Gorgeous Movie Wedding Dresses, Ranked
- #15 of 32 on30+ Great Movies About Depression in Women
- 14Holly Hunter, Robert Downey, Anne Bancroft
This charming and relatable comedy starring Holly Hunter captures the essence of cringe-worthy family gatherings during Thanksgiving weekend. Crazed family antics, awkward moments, and occasional explosions of tension ensue, yet the storyline ultimately emphasizes the importance of love and acceptance among the chaos. While highlighting the quirks and idiosyncrasies that make families unique, the film reminds viewers that home truly is where the heart is.
- #72 of 81 onThe Greatest Female-Led Comedy Movies
- #6 of 19 onThe Best Movies About Thanksgiving, Ranked
- #9 of 141 on140+ Movies And Shows With Holiday In The Title
- 15Colin Hanks, Jack Black, Catherine O'Hara
In this heartfelt and humorous coming-of-age tale, a young aspiring writer attempts to escape his eccentric family and attend the prestigious Stanford University. As his attempts to flee are continually foiled by his outlandish relatives, he learns important life lessons and gains a new understanding of his flawed yet endearing family. This lively comedy ultimately demonstrates the value of embracing one's roots while seeking personal growth and fulfillment.
More Orange County- Dig Deeper...Celebrities Who Live in Orange County, California
- #72 of 152 onThe Best Movies of 2002
- #51 of 111 onThe Funniest Movies About High School
- 16Jeff Daniels, Laura Linney, Jesse Eisenberg
Based on the real-life experiences of writer-director Noah Baumbach, this brutally honest and often humorous tale delves into the lives of a family torn apart by divorce. As the two young sons navigate the tumultuous aftermath, the film explores themes such as parental loyalty, self-discovery, and resilience. The authentic portrayal of heartache and growth emphasizes the necessity of finding one's own path amidst the upheaval of a fractured family.
- #65 of 143 onThe Best Movies of 2005
- #87 of 88 onThe Most Awkward Movies to Watch with Your Parents
- #15 of 37 on25+ Great Movies About Depressing Couples
- 17Jason Robards, Julianne Moore, Tom Cruise
Set in the city of Los Angeles, this intricate and moving character-driven drama weaves together the lives of seemingly unrelated individuals coping with loss, regret, and the burdens of the past. Each of their stories is deeply ingrained with the pain of dysfunctional family dynamics, demonstrating the complex tapestry of human emotion and turmoil. Through a dazzling blend of storytelling and compelling performances, the film portrays the profound connections that lie beneath the surface of human experience.
More Magnolia- #224 of 675 onThe Best Movies Roger Ebert Gave Four Stars
- #236 of 379 onThe Best Movies Of The 1990s
- #67 of 80 on80 Good Long Movies To Watch, Ranked
- 18Jane Adams, Dylan Baker, Lara Flynn Boyle
This dark and controversial dramedy provides an unflinching examination of a group of interconnected individuals grappling with their individual desires, insecurities, and neuroses. As each character navigates their own emotional turmoil, their dysfunctional family dynamics become increasingly apparent, revealing the complexities and contradictions of human nature.
More Happiness- #503 of 675 onThe Best Movies Roger Ebert Gave Four Stars
- #90 of 125 onThe 100+ Grossest Movies Ever
- #115 of 133 onThe Most Utterly Depressing Movies Ever Made
- 19Denis Leary, Judy Davis, Kevin Spacey
This darkly comedic crime caper sees an unexpected twist of fate when a bickering, estranged couple is taken hostage on Christmas Eve by a cat burglar. As the thief becomes increasingly exasperated by the couple's nonstop arguing, he inadvertently takes on the role of an unconventional marriage counselor. Amid the chaos and high-stakes tension, the film showcases the potential for healing and redemption even in the most unlikely of circumstances.
More The Ref- #105 of 126 onThe Best Christmas Movies Of All Time
- #361 of 379 onThe Best Movies Of The 1990s
- #40 of 70 onThe Funniest Christmas Comedy Movies
- 20John Cusack, Anjelica Huston, Annette Bening
In this gripping neo-noir thriller, a mother and son duo of con artists find themselves locked in a dangerous game of deception, manipulation, and betrayal. As their paths intertwine with another grifter caught in the crossfire, the twisted web of relationships fuels their motivations and fatal decisions. The film's exploration of greed, ambition, and deeply-rooted family dysfunction presents a chilling reminder of the potential consequences of choosing a life of crime.
More The Grifters- #286 of 675 onThe Best Movies Roger Ebert Gave Four Stars
- #316 of 379 onThe Best Movies Of The 1990s
- #50 of 90 onThe Best Movies of 1990
- 21Catherine Deneuve, Juliette Binoche, Ethan Hawke
This French-Japanese drama masterfully examines the relationship between a self-absorbed, aging actress and her estranged daughter after she publishes a revealing memoir. As they navigate the complexities of their shared past, emotions flare, and truths are brought to light, revealing the depths of human vulnerability and the power of forgiveness. The film's elegant storytelling and magnetic performances emphasize the enduring influence of family ties, even in the face of profound pain and betrayal.
- 22Christos Stergioglou, Michelle Valley, Aggeliki Papoulia
This harrowing and visually striking Greek film offers a disturbing glimpse into the lives of three siblings raised in total isolation by their cruelly controlling parents. The twisted upbringing they endure nurtures warped beliefs, desires, and behaviors as they struggle to make sense of their confined world. This unflinching exploration of the depths of human depravity serves as a sobering reminder of the damaging effects that extreme social conditioning can have on individuals.
More Dogtooth - 23Setsuko Hara, Chishū Ryū, Kyōko Kagawa
This poignant Japanese classic tells the story of an elderly couple traveling to visit their distant children in post-war Tokyo, only to find themselves largely ignored and unappreciated. The film's exploration of generational differences, evolving familial roles, and the passage of time paints a tender portrait of human connection and the value of compassion. Regarded as one of the greatest films ever made, it remains a testament to the enduring importance of family bonds.
More Tokyo Story- #320 of 675 onThe Best Movies Roger Ebert Gave Four Stars
- #24 of 425 onThe Greatest Movies in World Cinema History
- #8 of 37 onThe Best Movies About Old People
- 24Patricia Neal, Jack Albertson, Martin Sheen
Adapted from the Pulitzer Prize-winning play, this emotionally charged drama follows the strained relationship between a young soldier returning home from World War II and his emotionally distant parents. As they navigate their own unresolved issues, the family faces the harsh realities of life after war while battling the demons of their past. This captivating tale of love, forgiveness, and the struggles of coming home serves as a powerful reminder of the challenges faced by veterans and their families.
- 25Kumail Nanjiani, Zoe Kazan, Holly Hunter
Based on the real-life romance of the film's stars Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon, this heartwarming romantic comedy explores the challenges of cultural differences and the power of true love. As Kumail navigates between his Pakistani upbringing and his American lifestyle, he faces the disapproval of both his traditional parents and Emily's eccentric family. This entertaining, yet insightful, look at modern love showcases how love and understanding can overcome even the most significant obstacles.
More The Big Sick- #209 of 473 onThe 400+ Best Chick Flicks Ever
- #3 of 15 onThe Most Underrated Rom-Coms Of The 2010s
- #12 of 17 onPretty Good Comedies You Can Totally Check Out On Amazon Prime
- 26Parker Posey, Josh Hamilton, Tori Spelling
This darkly satirical comedy revolves around a wealthy, highly dysfunctional family whose Thanksgiving celebration is disrupted by the arrival of an unexpected guest. As tensions rise and twisted secrets emerge, the ensuing chaos sheds light on the complex dynamics at play within the family unit. The film's biting wit and razor-sharp observations make for a deliciously warped exploration of familial bonds and the lengths individuals will go to maintain them.
More The House of Yes- #36 of 36 onGreat Movies About a Mental Breakdown
- #29 of 31 onThe 30+ Best Movies About Siblings, Ranked
- #16 of 18 on18 Forgotten Movies Of Extremely '90s Celebrities
- 27Jamie Bell, Danielle Macdonald, Daniel Henshall
This gritty and powerful drama chronicles the transformation of a white supremacist as he struggles to break free from his violent past and forge a new life for himself and his family. As he fights to escape the shackles of his upbringing, he risks losing everything in his quest for redemption and acceptance. The film provides a harrowing look at generational hate and the potential for change, even in the most seemingly irredeemable individuals.
- 28Nicole Kidman, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Jack Black
This darkly comedic portrait of fraught sibling dynamics revolves around the return of a successful author (Nicole Kidman) to her family home for her estranged sister's wedding. As the two sisters confront their deeply rooted resentments and the unraveling of their personal lives, the film captures the intricacies of family bonds and the enduring pain of unresolved issues. With sharp wit and biting insight, the film sheds light on the complexities inherent in both love and rivalry between sisters.
- #11 of 32 onThe Best Dramas About Relationships Between Sisters
- #12 of 13 onThe Best Movies About Divorce And Custody
- #15 of 217 on215+ Movies And Shows With Wedding In The Title
- 29Ben Stiller, Patricia Arquette, Téa Leoni
In this hilarious and heartwarming road trip comedy, a young father's search for his biological parents leads him on a chaotic journey across the country with his wife and infant son in tow. Along the way, they encounter a series of eccentric characters and tangled family relationships, while confronting their own marital strife. This madcap adventure serves as a reminder that even when life takes you off-course, family ties have the power to bind and heal.
- #100 of 117 onThe Best Movies Of 1996
- #52 of 64 onThe 60+ Best Movies About Adoption
- #122 of 127 onThe 100+ Best Sex Comedy Movies
- 30Pete Davidson, Marisa Tomei, Bill Burr
Drawing inspiration from the life of comedian Pete Davidson, this comedic drama centers on a young man's struggle to find direction and purpose amidst his chaotic family life, including his widowed mother's new relationship. As he confronts painful memories and past demons, he learns valuable lessons about self-acceptance, responsibility, and the unbreakable bond between loved ones. The film offers a poignant exploration of grief, growth, and the pursuit of happiness on life's winding path.
- #21 of 26 onThe 25+ Best Movies About 9/11
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- #586 of 633 onThe 600+ Funniest Movies Of All Time
